KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 27 — Former world No 1 shuttler Lee Chong Wei has found a “new weapon” to secure his fourth Olympic spot.
“Since I was taken under Hendrawan and Tey Seu Bock’s wing, my attacks have been faster and my strokes are more unique,” he said yesterday.
“I can see my opponents threatened by the new weapon.”
Lee returned to competition in May following an eight-month doping ban by Badminton World Federation (BWF) after testing positive for anti-inflammatory drug dexamethasone at the 2014 world championships.
The Penang-born’s ranking suffered a tremendous blow as he fell from from No 1 to 180 on June 18.
However, he found his way back in the top 10 in after winning the French, China and Hong Kong Opens — all in less than five months.
Lee’s amazing comeback saw him at No 3 in the latest rankings.
“I did not expect to be in the top three so quickly. My initial target was top eight as my points were seriously affected because of the doping case,” he said.
“However, the rank will change soon as I did not qualify for the Superseries finals (in Dubai from Dec 9-13).”
Meanwhile, the 33-year-old said he needed at least two coaches at every match to keep the momentum going.
“We only have two coaches in the men’s singles and one of them needs to stay in the country to train the rest,” he said, referring to players who are not competing in international tournaments.
“One coach during a tournament is not enough,” he said.
“Countries like China usually send two or three coaches for their players.”
Lee said has a few individuals from China and Indonesia in mind, but would leave the decision to BA of Malaysia (BAM).
“Most local coaches are inexperienced. I find it best for BAM to hire foreigners instead,” he said.
“I met them (coaches) during tournaments and I know them well. But it is up to BAM to accept my proposal.”
Lee said action needed to be taken swiftly because players from other countries are improving significantly from such coach system.
“I need one coach to analyse my game while the other observes the opponents,” he said.
“We need to find the new coach before the start of the new calendar.
BAM technical director Morten Frost echoed similar sentiments, saying: “I do have my own list (for men’s singles coach) and options as well, it comprised locals and foreigners.
“However, we need time to find the best choice. I will discuss this matter with Lee soon.”
